We’re now in the fallout of the NFL Combine, the phase where NFL Draft analysts dissect every rep, and every measurement to determine who’s climbing draft boards and who may have hurt their stock over the weekend.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., a polarizing figure every draft, has a significant development for the Tennessee Vols and one of their top prospects. In a recent article on Draft risers, Kiper had Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II featured as one of the guys he sees rising up draft boards.
Kiper also went on to say that, "it's hard to find receivers with that body type who can run and move as he does. He popped in 2025."
What this really means is that NFL teams view it this way as well. Kiper has plenty of connections in league circles, and I'm sure he's getting intel on Brazzell being a player that front offices were wowed with this weekend.
Mel Kiper Jr. say Chris Brazzelll is a NFL Draft Riser
What stands out most is that not only is Brazzell one of the tallest wideouts in the draft, he's also one of the fastest, running a 4.37 40-yard dash. His body control and ability to make plays downfield will be a significant asset at the next level. Kiper did leave Brazzell out of his most recent mock draft, but you'd have to imagine that Brazzell will slide back in after his great performances over the weekend.
In 2025, Brazzell put up some of the best numbers in the toughest conference in America. As the top target for Joey Aguilar, Brazzell posted 62 catches, 1,017 yards, and nine touchdowns. This was nearly 700 yards more than what he did in 2023, and he doubled his catches. The improvement he showed in such a small amount of time is remarkable and shows how Brazzell is an adaptable player.
After what we saw at the Combine, it wouldn’t be shocking at all if Tennessee ends up with three first-round picks in April. Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood, and Chris Brazzell II all made strong cases over the weekend, and now the buzz around their draft stock feels very real.